Cool Down Exercises, Cooling Down After Exercise

Cool down exercises should be performed straight after a workout or any physical activity to let your body recover, and allow your heart rate and breathing to calm down. Cooling down helps to reduce muscle stiffness in the next few days after a workout and lessen any risk of potential injuries immediately after workout when your coordination might be off. Cool down routines require you to gradually decrease the intensity level of the exercise routine, returning your body to a normal pace.

Cooling down after exercise should consist of the following steps:

Static exercise stretches are more suitable for a cool down routine as
they relax the muscle and help your body to return to a normal range of
movement. Dynamic stretches are suitable for warm up exercise routines
before your workout.

It might seem that the
warming up cooling down process is adding too much extra time to a fat
burning workout plan, but warm up exercises and cool down can be done in
as little as 5 minutes, although 10 – 15 minutes are much better!

The
cooling down exercise routine will make you feel much better and get
your body ready much quicker for your next workout. The after effect of
any aches and pains will reduce a lot quicker and your pulse will return
to its normal rate. Also remember to drink lots of liquid after your
workout so your body remains hydrated.